Task force created to assess N.J.'s nuclear power operations in wake of Japan crisis

Scott Lituchy/The Star-LedgerThe Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station along Route 9 in the Forked River section of Lacey Township.

TRENTON — A new state task force will assess current nuclear power operations in New Jersey and determine if there are any early lessons to be learned from the crisis in Japan that are applicable here.

The Nuclear Review Task Force will begin analyzing the state's four nuclear facilities next week, the Department of Environmental Protection announced in a news release.

The operators of the plants, PSE&G and Exelon, have both agreed to participate in the review, according to the DEP. The task force will also review any necessary safety measures that might be needed if there were problems at Pennsylvania or New York plants.

"We already have an excellent response system in place, one that is continuously updated as we gather new science and facts,'' said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin, who will chair the task force. "We also have excellent cooperation from the owners of nuclear facilities in our state. But you can never be too prepared. If there are lessons for New Jersey from what is happening in Japan, we should draw from that information.''

The task force will also include State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Charles B. McKenna, State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes and State Board of Public Utilities President Lee Solomon.